Lawn & Ornamental Exam Category

A comprehensive overview of the Lawn & Ornamental category for your pest control applicator certification exam.

Exam Breakdown

Lawn & Ornamental typically comprises 15-20% of the pest control applicator exam

Lawn & Ornamental15-20%

The Lawn & Ornamental category is a significant portion of the pest control applicator exam, typically accounting for approximately 15-20% of all questions. This specialized category focuses on the identification and management of pests and diseases affecting turfgrass, ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs in residential and commercial landscapes. Due to the extensive use of pesticides in outdoor settings and the potential for environmental impact, this category receives particular attention on certification exams.

Study Tip

Many states require a separate lawn and ornamental certification or endorsement. This category often involves more complex calculations for application rates and calibration than other categories, so practice these skills specifically.

Essential Knowledge Areas

These core topics form the foundation of the Lawn & Ornamental category

Plant & Pest Identification

Turfgrass species and varieties
Common ornamental plants and trees
Insect pests of lawns and ornamentals
Common plant diseases and pathogens
Weed identification and classification

Application Techniques

Sprayer calibration and maintenance
Granular application equipment
Soil drench and injection methods
Foliar spray techniques
Proper timing of applications

Pesticides & Formulations

Herbicides (pre and post-emergent)
Insecticides for landscape pests
Fungicides for plant diseases
Growth regulators and specialty products
Tank mixing and compatibility

Environmental Considerations

Protecting pollinators and beneficial insects
Preventing runoff and water contamination
Weather considerations for applications
Drift management techniques
Integrated pest management in landscapes

Calculations & Measurements

The Lawn & Ornamental category requires strong calculation skills for proper application

One of the most challenging aspects of the Lawn & Ornamental section is the mathematical calculations required for proper application rates, calibration, and mixing. The exam will test your ability to:

Area Calculations

Converting between square feet and acres
Calculating irregular lawn shapes
Determining total treatment area
Excluding non-target areas (buildings, driveways)
Measuring perimeters for edge treatments

Application Rate Calculations

Pounds of product per 1,000 square feet
Pounds of active ingredient per acre
Gallons of spray solution per area
Parts per million (ppm) calculations
Percent solutions and dilution rates

Calibration Calculations

Sprayer calibration: Determining output in gallons per 1,000 square feet or gallons per acre
Spreader calibration: Determining output in pounds per 1,000 square feet
Walking speed calculations: How walking speed affects application rate
Nozzle selection: How nozzle type and pressure affect output and coverage
Adjusting output: Changing pressure, nozzles, or walking speed to achieve desired rate

Mixing Calculations

Tank mixing: Determining amount of product needed for specific tank size
Multiple product mixing: Calculating rates when mixing multiple products
Adjuvant rates: Adding surfactants or other adjuvants at correct rates
Conversion factors: Working with different units (oz, lb, pt, qt, gal)
Concentration adjustments: Diluting concentrated products correctly

Exam Preparation Tips

Specific strategies to help you master the Lawn & Ornamental section

The Lawn & Ornamental section requires a combination of plant knowledge, pest identification skills, and mathematical calculations. Here are some targeted strategies to help you prepare:

Practice Calculations Daily - Set aside time each day to work through application rate, calibration, and mixing problems until you can solve them quickly and accurately.
Create Plant and Pest Flashcards - Make flashcards with images of common turfgrass and ornamental plants, weeds, insects, and disease symptoms to improve identification skills.
Understand Seasonal Timing - Learn the optimal timing for different treatments based on pest life cycles, plant growth stages, and seasonal conditions.
Master Label Reading - Practice interpreting pesticide labels specifically for lawn and ornamental products, focusing on application rates, site restrictions, and environmental hazards.
Know Your Equipment - Understand the different types of application equipment, their components, and how to calibrate them properly.

Focus on Calculations

The most common reason for failing the Lawn & Ornamental section is difficulty with mathematical calculations. Bring a calculator to the exam if allowed, and double-check all your math. Practice converting between different units of measurement and area calculations until they become second nature.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Take Practice Test Review Flash Cards